Home appliance



July 9, 1963 H. P. PETERS HOME APPLIANCE Filed Jan. 51, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet l r \oo I 19/ M jms 11 W39 J2 N 5f z5 I W" 5% i 'w M iii i 67 July 9, 1963 H. P. PETERS 3,096,885

HOME APPLIANCE l Filed Jan. 3l, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 i l W9 H. P. PETERS HOM July 9, 1963 E APPLIANCE Filed Jan. :51, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 United States Patent O M 3,695,835 HOME APPLANCE Harold P. Peters, Evansvlie, ind., assigner to Whirlpool Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Filed ian. 31, 1961, Ser. No. 86,127 12 Ciairns. (Ci. 248-240) This invention relates to shelf structures and in particular to shelf supports.

In cabinets such as refrigerator cabinets, it is desirable to provide facilitated accessibility to the interior thereof by means of shelf stnuctures which are arranged to be moved outwardly relative to the cabinet when desired. Conventionally, such shelf structures are arranged to swing between extreme positions within the cabinet and outwardly thereof. The present invention is concerned with a new and improved swing-out shelf support structure.

A principal feature of the present invention is, therefore, the provision of a new and improved shelf support structure.

Another lfeature of the invention is the provision of such a shelf support structure including new and improved means providing vertical adjustability of the shelf while assuring optimum swinging movement as desired.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of such a shelf support structure including new and improved pivot means for swinging the shelf about an accurately maintained vertical axis.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of such a shelf support structure including new and improved means Ifor connecting the shelf support to the pivot member.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection `with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevation of a swing-out shelf device includcluding a support structure embodying the invention mounted in a portion of a conventional refrigerator cabinet;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken substantially along the line 2 2. of FIG. 1, with shelves removed for clarity;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged horizontal section taken substantially along the line 3-3 of FIG. l;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical section taken substantially along the line 4--4 of FIG. l;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged vertical section taken substantially along the line 5 5 of FIG. l;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary broken vvertical section illustrating the mounting of the pivot members on the pivot post;

FIG. 7 is a reduced transverse section taken substantially along the line 7-7 of FIG. 5 and FIG. 8 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken substantially along the iine -8--8 of FIG. 2.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention as disclosed in the drawings, a swing-out shelf structure generally designated 141 is shown to comprise a pair of shelves 1 1 and 12 swingably carried by a support structure generally designated 13 secured to a wall portion 14 of a conventional refrigerator cabinet 15 for swinging movement of the shelves `from a storage position within the refrigerated chamber 16 defined by the cabinet 15 and an accessible position at the front of the chamber. In FIG. 1 of the drawing, shelf 1i1 is illustrated in the accessible position and shelf 12 is illustrated as in the storage position. The cabinet `15 may be of conventional construction including a liner 17 defining the inner wall member confronting chamber i16, and a body of suitable insulation 18 disposed between the liner 17 and an outer wall member 19. As shown in FIG. l, the cabinet may be provided 3,036,885 Patented July 9, 1963 with a suitable door 20 for selectively closing the front opening of chamber 16.

Shelf support structure 13 provides an improved facilitated swinging of the shelves 11 and .12 about the vertical axis of the elongate upright post member `21 secured to the liner y17 by means of a pair of brackets 22 and 23. The upper bracket 22 includes an upper turned flange 24 and a lower turned flange `25 and the lower bracket 23 includes a lower turned ange 27, through each of which flanges the post 21 extends. Each bracket includes a base portion 28 facially juxtaposed to the liner 1'7 and through which suitable screws 29 extend for threaded engagement with a channel 3i) disposed on the opposite side of the liner 17 within the body of insulation 18. As best seen in FIG. 6, the post 21 is provided subjacent head 311 with a cylindrical portion 32 including a radial enlargement 33 keyed to a corresponding opening 34 in the uppermost bracket 24 thereby locking the post against rotation. A nut is threaded on the post below ange 27 to cooperate with head 31 in retaining the post 21 against axial movement in the brackets 22 and 23.

The shelf support structure 13 further includes an upper pivot member 35 and a lower pivot member 36 pivotally mounted on post 21 for swinging movement about the axis of the post. A connecting member .37 is carried by pivot member 35 and a similar connecting member 38 is carried by the pivot member 36 for movement with the pivot members about the axis of post 21. Connecting members 37 and 38 are vertically yadjustably positioned on the pivot members by means of co-operating teeth 39 on the pivot members and a catch 40 carried by the connecting member. Secured to each connecting member is a tubular support 41 which co-operates with a frame 42 to support a shelf frame assembly 43 and define a peripheral upstanding wall about the shelf frame assembly.

As pivot members 35 and 436 are similar, the following detailed description thereof will be limited to that of pivot member 35, it being understood that the description applies equally as well to pivot member 36. The pivot member includes a pivot portion 44 provided with a bore 45 and a flange 80 projecting radially into the bore 45 to secure bushing 77 which rotates on pivot post 21 for accurate pivoting of the pivot member about the vertical axis of the post with skewing of the pivot member effectively precluded. Extending horizontally outwardly from the pivot portion is a vertically elongate arm portion 46 having an enlarged distal end 47 outwardly dening the teeth 39 and inwardly defining a planar sliding surface 48. As best seen in FIG. 2, the teeth 39 are provided in the lower portion of the pivot member arm end 47 and the upper portion 49 of the arm end 47 is untoothed.

rThe connecting member 37 comprises a vertically elongate, generally J-sectioned member having a long arm 56, a turned end 51 and a shont arm 52 terminating in an inturned end 53. Thus, as best seen in FIG. 3, the connecting member generally embraces the pivot member for pivotal movement therewith. The turned end 53 outwardly rdefines a sliding surface 54 slidably engaging the sliding ysurface 48 of the pivot member end 47. A set screw 55 `extends through the short arm 52 to project inwardly 'from a flat inner surface 56 of the short arm confronting the -pivot member end 47 `and extending in a vertical plane `skewed to the direction of horizontal elongation o-f the pivot and connecting members. The inner end 5S of the screw 55 engages a nylon bearing 59 snapped into place in the connecting member :to provide lsubstantially friction free vertical iadjustability of the connecting: member on the pivot member.

Extending outwardly from the turned end 51 of the connecting member is a support portion 60 to which is secured, by suitable means such as screws 61, frame 42 which is generally -U-shaped and provided with an inturned lower flange 63. As shown in FIG. 3, the frame is secured tothe outer end :of the tubular support 41 which support includes an inturned flange 64 co-operating with the flange 63 of the frame to 'define a support for the removable wire tray or shelf frame assembly 43. As shown in FIG. 5, the tubular support 41 is secured Ito the pivot member 35 by a pair of connectors, herein screws 65. The router wall surface of the tubular support is provided with a plurality of horizontal grooves 66 and the outer wall surface of the frame 42 is provided with a plurality of horizontal grooves 67 providing an improved esthetic effect.

As indicated briefly above, the `connecting member is vertically adjustably mounted on the pivot member. The vertical position of the connecting member is controlled by the catch 40 having la locking portion 68 selectively engageable with the teeth 39 of the pivot member. A leaf spring 69 extends between a downwardly opening recess 70 in the lower end of the tubular support 41, `and an -upwardly opening recess 71 in the catch 40 to urge the catch pivotally about :a pivot screw 72 secured to the connecting member 37. A finger tab portion 73 is provided on the catch 40 opposite the locking portion to overcome the `spring 69 and move the locking portion 63 from engagement with the teeth 39 when it is desired to move the -shelf downwardly from a previous position. As

best seen in FIG. 5, the teeth 39 include an upwardly inclined outer face 74 permitting the locking portion 68 to slide over the teeth when the connecting member is moved upwardly relative to the pivot member, and thus manipulation of the `catch 40 is required only when a downward adjustment is to be effected.

Thus, the swinging movement of the shelves 11 and 12 is effected by the pivotal movement of the pivot member on the post 21 which carries with it the connecting member retained thereon at the desired elevation by the catch 40. To provide an automatic retention `off the shelf in each of the perpendicular related storage position and accessible position, each flange 25 and 27 is provided with a first pair of upwardly 4opening grooves '7S and a second pair of upwardly opening grooves 76 extending perpendicularly to the grooves 75. A pair of bushings 77 are provided on post 21, one each at the lower end of pivot member 3S and pivot member 36 for `seo-operation with the grooves 75 and 76 to retain the pivot members Vreleasably in each of mutually perpendicular positions. `More specifically, each of bushings 77 is provided with a downwardly projecting lug 7S which is arranged to be -Y selectively received in grooves '75 and 76. Each of the bushings is further provided with a radially inwardly opening recess 79 for engagement with projecting flange vS on the pivot member for pivotal movement of the bushing with the pivot member about the axis of the post'. Additional bushings 81 and 82 are provided fat the upper ends of the respective pivot members in similar keyed association therewith to complete the pivot mounting of the pivot members on the post.

Installation of the shelf:` structure on the shelf member 'is effected by sliding the connecting member in embracing relationship with the pivot member as shown in FIG. 3 downwardly from the upper end of the pivot member past the upper portion 47 to the desired elevation, catch 40 being held to space locking portion 68 from the teeth 39 in moving the connecting member to the desired elevation. rllhe lower shelf 12 may be removed independently of upper shelf 11 by arranging the upper shelf in the storage position While arranging the lower shelf in the accessible position to prevent interference by the upper shelf with the lower shelf during upward removal of the lower shelf from the lower pivot member. To preclude downward removal of the shelf structures, [the lower pivot member is provided with an upset stop 83 at the lower end thereof which projects into the path of movement of the connecting member to limit the downward positioning thereof.

Thus, swing-out shelf structure 10 provi-des an improved facilitated removability to each shelf assembly permitting facilitated maintenance thereof by the housewife. The accurate sliding fit of the pivot members on the upright post 2-1 precludes Ia loose unstable support lof the shelf assembly as found in known shelf structures wherein the pivoting elements have a loose fit with the pivot rod. Facilitated arrangement lof each shelf assembly in the truly horizontal position is effected by means of set screw 5S to preclude any canting thereof. rThe catch 40 provides yfori facilitated manipulation, simplifying the adjustment of the elevation of the shelf assembly. Further, the cooperating lug and groove structures of `the bushings and flanges provides a desirable automatic retention of the shelves selectively in the storage and accessible positions.

While I have shown `and described one embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that it is capable of many modifications. Changes, therefore, in the construction and arrangement may be made without departing from the `spirit and scope of the invention as Edefined in the appended claims.

The embodiment of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed is defined as follows:

l. A shelf support comprising: a pivot member; means supporting the pivot member for pivotal movement accurately about a single upright axis; a connecting member carried by the pivot member for movement therewith about said axis; co-operating means on said pivot member and connecting member releasably retaining the connecting member on the pivot member selectively in any one of a plurality of vertically spaced positions; and means secured to the connecting member for movement therewith and arranged to carry a shelf.

2. The shelf support of claim 1 wherein said means supporting the pivot member includes an elongated upright member, said pivot member being pvotally, axially fixedly .mounted thereon.

3. The shelf support of claim 1 wherein said connecting member slidably embraces the pivot member.

4. The shelf support of claim 1 wherein said connecting member slidably embraces the pivot member and including means adjustably controlling the sliding fit therebetween.

5. A shelf support comprising: a post; means for fixing said post in a vertical position; a pivot member axially immovable on said post and pivotally movable thereon about the axis thereof; a connecting member releasably carried by the pivot member for movement therewith about said axis; co-operating catch means ou said pivot Vmember and connecting member releasably retaining the -a support secured to the connecting member for movement therewith and including means for carrying a shelf.

6. The shelf support of claim 5 wherein said catch means includes a plurality of vertically spaced teeth on the pivot member and a spring urged catch on the connecting member selectively engaging the teeth.

7. The shelf support of claim 5 wherein said support is cantilevered from the connecting member and urges the catch means to a retaining arrangement.

8. In a shelf support a pivot member having a pivot portion and an arm portion extending horizontally from the pivot portion and having a distal end portion provided with vertically spaced teeth and a vertical slide surface adjacent the distal end and facing the pivot portion; a connecting member embracing the distal end portion of the pivot member and having a turned end slidably engaging said slide surface; and catch means on 9. In a shelf support a pivot member having a pivot portion and an arm portion extending horizontally from the pivot portion and having a distal end portion provided with vertically spaced teeth and a vertical slide surface adjacent the distal end and facing the pivot portion; a connecting member embracing the distal end portion of the pivot member and having a turned end slidably engaging said slide surface; catch means on said connecting member selectively engaging the spaced teeth of the pivot member to retain the connecting member selectively in any one of a plurality of vertically spaced positions; and a threaded member adjustably projecting from the connecting member toward the distal end portion of the pivot member to adjust the sliding flt therebetween.

10. In a shelf support a pivot member having a pivot portion and an arm portion extending horizontally from the pivot portion and having a distal end portion provided with vertically spaced teeth and a vertical slide surface adjacent the distal end and facing the pivot portion; a connecting member embracing the distal end portion of the pivot member and having a turned end slidably engaging said slide surface; catch means on said connecting member selectively engaging the spaced teeth of the pivot member to retain the connecting member selectively in any one of a plurality of vertically spaced positions; and anti-friction means disposed between confronting surfaces of the pivot member and connecting member for facilitating sliding relative movement therebetween.

lill. A shelf support comprising: an elongate member; means for securing the elongate member in an upright position; a rst pivot member carried on a lower portion of the elongate member for pivotal movement about the axis of the elongate member; a rst connecting member carried by the pivot member for movement therewith about said axis; rst co-operating means on said pivot member and connecting member releasably retaining the connecting member on the pivot member selectively in any one of a plurality of positions spaced accurately parallel to said axis and permitting movement of the connecting member upwardly from the pivot member for disengagement therefrom; a rst support secured to the connecting member for movement therewith and including means for carrying a first shelf; a second. pivot member carried on an upper portion of the elongate member for pivotal movement about the axis of the elongate member independently of pivotal movement of the rst pivot member about -sa-id axis; a second connecting member carried by the second pivot member for movement therewith about said axis; co-operating means on said second pivot member and second connecting member releasably retaining the second connecting member on the second pivot member selectively in any one of a plurality of positions spaced accurately parallel to said axis and permitting movement of the second connecting member upwardly from the second pivot member for disengagement therefrom; and a second support secured to the second connecting member for movement therewith and including means for carrying a second shelf.

12. The shelf support of claim 11 wherein said pivot members each have a vertical extent approximately onehalf the vertical extent of the elongate member.

References Cited in the le of this: patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,343,279 Reynolds June 15, 1920 1,386,1511 Brewer Aug. 2, 1921 1,608,523 Perman Nov. 30, 1926 2,097,129 Miserendino Oct. 26, 1937 2,955,892 Pulaski Oct. ll, 1960 2,990,068 Topel June 27, 1961 

5. A SHELF SUPPORT COMPRISING: A POST; MEANS FOR FIXING SAID POST IN A VERTICAL POSITION; A PIVOT MEMBER AXIALLY IMMOVABLE ON SAID POST AND PIVOTALLY MOVABLE THEREON ABOUT THE AXIS THEREOF; A CONNECTING MEMBER RELEASABLY CARRIED BY THE PIVOT MEMBER FOR MOVEMENT THEREWITH ABOUT SAID AXIS; CO-OPERATING CATCH MEANS ON SAID PIVOT MEMBER AND CONNECTING MEMBER RELEASABLY RETAINING THE CONNECTING MEMBER ON THE PIVOT MEMBER SELECTIVELY IN ANY ONE OF A PLURALITY OF VERTICALLY RELATED POSITIONS; AND A SUPPORT SECURED TO THE CONNECTING MEMBER FOR A MOVEMENT THEREWITH AND INCLUDING MEANS FOR CARRYING A SHELF. 